CASH welcome political class’s reaction to hunting referendum

The Coalition for the Abolition of Spring Hunting (CASH) welcomed statements made by the government and opposition following the constitutional court’s green light to an abrogative referendum on spring hunting.

CASH welcomed this approach being taken by the two main political parties.

“Statements made by the Prime Minister and the Justice Minister seem to demonstrate a real commitment to respecting the referendum and to facilitate the process so that the people of Malta can now make a decision on spring hunting,” campaign coordinator Romina Tolu said.

 The first test of this commitment will be the decision on the date for the referendum. 

Noting that the date can be anytime between 9 April and 9 July, Tolu said the date should allow enough time for a constructive debate and discussion.

“The government is charged with giving advice to the President about the precise date of the referendum. We trust that the date chosen will enable enough time for constructive debate and discussion so that voters can make an informed decision and that the outcome will be decisive for Malta.”

In reply to statements made by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Opposition leader Simon Busuttil, Tolu urged the two leaders to allow the debate to be led by the protagonists and not by the political class.

“The position of both main political parties in Malta about spring hunting is already well known, we trust that both of them will now allow space for the main protagonists on this issue to put their case to the people both for and against abolition of spring hunting.  We are looking forward to a constructive and rational debate from both sides.”